On 17 March 2026, a strategic session on “Strengthening institutional resilience of the Ukrainian penitentiary system” brought together decision-makers of Department of Execution of Criminal Sanctions of Ukraine , interregional penitentiary administrations and penitentiary institutions to consolidate the results of the pilot implementation of a new burnout prevention programme for penitentiary staff and define practical steps for its nationwide integration.

The pilot phase, implemented in seven penitentiary institutions with the participation of 56 staff members, demonstrated the practical relevance and applicability of the programme as a tool to support staff psychological well-being and strengthen institutional resilience. Participants reported improved team dynamics, increased awareness of psychological well-being and enhanced capacity to recognise and address early signs of professional burnout. The results of the pilot confirmed the need for a structured and sustainable approach to preventing professional burnout within the penitentiary service.

The agreed next steps provide a clear roadmap for embedding the programme into the penitentiary system and ensuring its long-term sustainability. The outcomes of the strategic session mark an important step towards strengthening institutional resilience, improving working conditions for personnel and promoting a more supportive and professional working environment.

The activity was implemented with the support of the Council of Europe Project “Towards more humane detention conditions and reduced reoffending in Ukraine” (DECOPRIS).